While visiting an aunt the other day, she told me to dig up some of these that were growing by the ditch. She said they had come from my grandmother. Apparently whenever they were thinned from the flower beds, she'd just toss them by the ditch. It's about 2 foot tall. Gorgeous purple flowers that grow up "spikes". The leaves are pointy and slightly serrated. Any clues? Thanks! unknown purple flower ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) leaves of unknown purple flower ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
Looks like obedient plant to me. If it is, watch where you plant it because it will take over in a short time.
Physostegia virginiana (False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant) They like moist soil but planting it in our dry soil should keep it under control....if you don't want it to spread. Personally I would love to have them just live through one season.
Thanks to you both! Seems it can be invasive. I've planted it where it can spread a bit. If it goes "out of bounds" I can always just mow it down. Interesting that it's called Obedient because you can bend the spikes and they will stay that way for a while. Thanks again!
Cherylad--I bought some one year and planted it in my perennial garden. Big mistake. I am still weeding it out 5 years later. Be careful!
